TMC says ‘minority’ govt should bow out; DMK too won’t help

Months after its ambitious attempt to bring a no-confidence motion on the UPA government failed to generate the desired response in Lok Sabha, Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress demanded the “immediate resignation” of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh alleging that his government is in a minority.

Even as the UPA government continues its efforts to keep Trinamool in good humour—the latest sop being offered to build 2169 km of rural road worth at least Rs. 1500 crore —Trinamool’s general secretary Mukul Roy on Friday said, “The minority government of Manmohan Singh has no moral right to stay in power anymore.”

The Congress, however, brushed aside the remarks. “There is nothing new in what Trinamool is saying. It wanted the government to go after it withdrew support six months ago. The government will complete its full term,” AICC in-charge for West Bengal Shakeel Ahmed said.

While the survival of UPA government critically depends on outside supporters (like SP and BSP), DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Friday clarified that he has no intention to add to their strength. Ruling out any chance of providing outside support as the UPA “failed” to accept the DMK’s demands on Sri Lankan Tamil issue, the octogenarian added that his party can not be held responsible if “communal forces” came to power.

Meanwhile, days after hurriedly releasing Rs. 270 crore for rural job (MGNREGA) labour payment to West Bengal, Union rural development ministry has agreed to consider building 2169 km of rural road in four districts of Bengal. This would be over and above the initial allocation for the state.

Rural development minister Jairam Ramesh will meet officials from Bengal on April 4 to finalize the plan. The raised pitch of the Trinamool comes barely two weeks after it supported the UPA on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue. But Congress leaders claim that the top party leadership’s direct communications channel with Mamata is still open.